Helmet mounting systems

ABSTRACT

Pivoting helmet mounts for an optical device are provided. In one aspect, a breakaway connector which is selectively configurable between breakaway and nonbreakaway configurations is provided. In a further aspect, a strap mount system for securing the helmet mount to the helmet employs a rotating ratchet assembly to adjust tension in the strap. In another aspect, a helmet mount for an optical device comprises a track assembly attached to a helmet to allow stowing of the optical device in a further retracted position. The track mount system may further include electrical connectors for attaching a power supply and an electronic device. In another aspect, a mounting bracket allows helmet-mounted optics to be shared with a weapon accessory mount. In a further aspect, a optical sighting device for a weapon combines a reflex sight a night vision goggle to allow targeting at night or in other low-light conditions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority as a divisional application under 35U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/804,813 filed May21, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,826,463, which in turn claims priority asa divisional application under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/959,906, filed Oct. 6, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,219,370, which properly claimed the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/509,136 filed Oct. 6, 2003.Each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated by reference inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to helmet mounting systems and methodsthat integrate an optical vision device with a field helmet foralternately supporting the optical device in an operational position infront of the user's eyes and a stowed position out of the user's line ofvision.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take form in various components and arrangements ofcomponents, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawingsare only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are notto be construed as limiting the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a helmet carrying a helmet mountaccording to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the helmetmount supports viewing optics in an operational or viewing position.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,wherein the viewing optics are rotated to the stowed position.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the helmet shown in FIGS. 1 and 2having a helmet mount base plate fastened thereto, wherein the opticaldevice and the remainder of the mounting assembly has been selectivelyremoved therefrom.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the mounting assembly shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the mounting assembly shown in FIG.4.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and exploded side views, respectively, of avertical adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6C is an enlarged view of the vertical adjustment mechanism shownin FIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIGS. 6D and 6E are enlarged views of the vertical adjustment mechanismshown in FIGS. 6A-6C in the respective locked and unlocked positions.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are exploded views illustrating a breakaway mechanismaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an alternative horizontal adjustmentmechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a mounting system according to afurther embodiment of the invention and which illustrates the manner ofconnecting the optical device to the mounting assembly.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the vertical adjustment and breakawayassemblies.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the breakaway assembly taken alongthe lines 11--11 in FIG. 10, depicted in the locked or non-breakawayconfiguration.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the breakaway assembly as shown inFIG. 11, but illustrating the unlocked or breakaway configuration.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a helmet carrying a helmet mountaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the helmet shown in FIG. 13,wherein the optical device and the flip-up mounting assembly has beenselectively removed therefrom.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a helmet mounting systemaccording to a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the helmet mounting system shownin FIG. 15, wherein the optical device and the pivoting mountingassembly has been selectively removed therefrom.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of ahelmet mounting system according to yet another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 19 is an exploded side view and FIG. 20 is a rear view of thehelmet strap ratchet system of the present invention.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are exploded side and exploded rear views, respectively,of the cover plate assembly portion of a helmet strap ratchet assemblyof the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an exploded side view and FIG. 24 is a rear view of the baseassembly portion of the helmet strap ratchet assembly of the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 is a front view of a gear rack assembly for helmet strap ratchetsystem, which is integral with a bracket for engaging a rear brimportion of a helmet.

FIG. 26 is an exploded side view of the integrated gear rack shown inFIG. 25 and the ratchet system cover plate assembly.

FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of a helmet carrying a track mountsystem according to still another embodiment of the present invention,which may be adapted for carrying electrical components.

FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view of the helmet and track mount systemshown in FIG. 27, wherein the electrical components are removed.

FIG. 29 is a top view of the helmet and track system shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of the helmet and track system shownin FIG. 28, wherein the optical device is in the operational position.

FIGS. 31 and 32 are a front and top perspective views, respectively, ofthe helmet and track system shown in FIG. 30, wherein the optical deviceis shown in the raised or flipped-up position.

FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of an optic mount adapter forattaching a helmet mounted optical device to a weapon mount system.

FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a fragmentary view of a weapon system employing the adaptershown in FIG. 33 wherein a night vision tube is mounted in opticalalignment with a reflex sight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawing FIGURES, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like or analogous components throughout the several views, andwith particular reference to FIGS. 1-3, there appears a first exemplaryhelmet mounting system embodiment 100 of the present invention. Thehelmet mounting system 100 includes a connection plate assembly 104attached to the front portion of a helmet 108. A pivoting helmet mount112 is removably attached at a first end to the connection plate 104 andat a second end to an optical device 116. The present invention is shownwith a monocular night vision goggle, e.g., employing a single imageintensifier tube and associated optics, for ease of exposition, however,it will be understood that the invention can be used with other types ofsighting devices, such as a monocular or binoculars, helmet mounteddisplay screen, head-up display or any other helmet mounted optical,electro-optical, and/or viewing devices.

The purpose of the mounting system is to position the optical device 116so that it is movable between an operational or viewing position asshown in FIG. 1 and a stowed position as shown in FIG. 2, therebyallowing the operator to reposition the optical device without the needto remove the helmet.

With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, and with continued reference toFIGS. 1-3, the pivoting helmet mount 112 includes a helmet interfaceassembly 120 that interfaces with the mounting plate 104. The mountingassembly 120 includes resilient buttons 124 having grooves or channels128 formed therealong. The grooves 128 mate with guide rails 132 formedon the plate 104. A locking member 136 engages an aligned opening 144formed in the plate 104 and a tensioning member 140 such as a resilientbutton may be provided to prevent movement or rattling between interfaceassembly 120 and the plate 104. The connection plate assembly 104couples to the helmet 108 utilizing mechanical fasteners 148, such asscrews, rivets, clips, dogs, pawls, or the like.

The helmet interface assembly 120 includes a sliding plate 152 whichslides horizontally with respect to the helmet interface assembly 120.The sliding plate is selectively positionable to provide a verticaladjustment of the optical device relative to the eyes of a wearer.

As best seen in FIGS. 6A-6E, an actuator button 156 is coupled tosliding cam or lever 158 which selective urges a gear rack lock member160 toward gear rack 162 to prevent movement of the sliding plate 120.When the button 156 is manually depressed against the urging of spring164, the teeth 166 of the gear lock member 160 are urged out ofengagement with the gear rack, allowing the sliding plate to be moved toa desired vertical position.

The lever 158 is held in the locked position (upper position in theorientation shown) by tension from spring 164. When the lever 158 is inthe locked position, the cam surface 170 forces the gear rack lock 160to compress spring 174, which bears on the lock 160, thus engaging thegear rack lock teeth 166 into the teeth 168 of the gear rack 162. Whenthe operator desires to change the vertical position of the helmetmount, he/she presses the button 156 downward, thus compressing spring164. The spring 174 pushes the gear rack lock 160 away from the gearrack 160, thus allowing the helmet mount to be repositioned to adifferent vertical location within the upper and lower adjustmentlimits. When the operator selects the correct vertical location for thehelmet mount, the button 156 is released. The spring 164 forces thelever 158 back into the locked position, and the cammed surface 170causes the gear rack lock 160 to compress spring 174 whereby the toothedportion 166 of the lock engages the teeth 168 of the gear rack to lockthe helmet mount sliding plate assembly in the selected verticalposition.

The sliding plate 152 also carries a user-selectable breakaway assembly172, as best seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The breakaway assembly provides aninterface between a first pivot arm 176 and the sliding plate assembly120. The connection between the breakaway assembly and the pivot arm 176may be selectively configured as a breakaway connection or a rigidattachment by moving lever 180, as will be described in greater detailbelow.

An angle or tilt adjustment knob 184 includes a threaded rod (not shown)rotatably engaging a mating threaded opening in the pivot arm 176. Thearm 176 rotates relative to plate 188, which includes an elongate orcurvate opening or slot (not shown) receiving the threaded rod.Loosening the knob 184 allows adjustment of the optics to a desired tiltangle according to user's eye position and a desired line of sight,whereby the tilt angle may then be secured in the desired position bytightening the knob 184.

A second pivot arm 192 is pivotally attached to the first pivot arm 176.The second pivot arm 192 includes an outer, generally cylindrical sleeve196 which rotates with respect to a pivot pin assembly 200. The pivotpin assembly 200 includes a central rod 204 coaxial with the pivot axisand carrying a protruding pin 208. A generally cylindrical sleeve orbushing 212 is coaxially disposed intermediate the sleeve 196 and theaxial rod 204. The bushing 212 includes an elongate slot 212 throughwhich the pin 208 extends. The central rod 204 is movable in the axialdirection against the urging of a captured coaxial spring (not shown)whereby the pin 208 may travel within the slot 212.

The outer sleeve 196 further includes a generally U-shaped slot 216 intowhich the pin 208 extends. The U-shaped slot 216 includes a rear axiallyextending leg 220, a front axially extending leg 224, and a base 228extending in the radial direction between the legs 220 and 224. The pin208 engages the rear leg portion 220 of the channel 216 when the opticaldevice is in the operational position. Manually depressing the centralrod 204 and allows the arm 192 to pivot with respect to the arm 176.Upon pivoting the unit and releasing the rod 204, the pin 208 travels tothe second leg 224 whereby the optical device is retained in theflipped-up position. In a preferred embodiment, the slot 212 and thelegs 220 and 224 are tapered such that they widen toward the base 228 toprovide a wedging action on the pin 208 and to provide ease of operationduring the pivoting operation.

The pivot arm 192 carries a pair of rails 232 extending in thehorizontal position (when the helmet is worn by a user and the goggle isin the operational, i.e., flipped down, position). A sliding carriage236 is movable along the slide rails 232 to allow the user tohorizontally position the optical device at a comfortable or desiredfocal distance from the operator's eyes. At least one of the slide rails232 (both in the depicted embodiment) contain a series of locking teeth240 along its length for engaging an internal locking member such as atoothed member, pin, or the like, to provide secure retention at aselected position. Release buttons 244, biased toward the lockedposition, may be manually depressed to disengage the locking members toallow sliding movement of the carriage 236 until the optics arepositioned at a desired focal position in front of the user's eye.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, there is shown an alternativeembodiment carriage 230 for providing the fore and aft movement andsecuring the optical device to the helmet mount. In this embodiment, thehorizontal positioning is controlled by a rotary knob 234 that, whenturned, moves the device closer to or farther away from the wearerseyes. The knob is mounted on a shaft 238 having a toothed gear 242thereon. Parallel guide rails 232 and 233 ride in channels 246 and 250,respectively. The gear 242 engages a series of teeth 240 on the rail 232and which extend into the channel 246, whereby the carriage 230 may beadvanced or retracted along the rails 232 and 233 by manually rotatingthe knob 234 in the respective forward or reverse direction. It will berecognized that a variety of configurations are possible. For example,either or both of the parallel rails may include a gear rack. Likewise,the knobs 234 may be mounted on both sides of the horizontal slide, asdepicted, or may be attached on one side only. For example, where asingle knob 234 is provided, it may be positioned on the left side ofthe carriage 230 to accommodate a right hand operator, or on the rightside to accommodate a left hand operator.

The sliding carriage 236 or 230 is secured to the optical device 116. Asbest seen in FIGS. 1 and 9, the depicted viewing goggle 116 includes acentral mounting member 246 for mounting the night vision tube 250. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the night vision tube is pivotally mountedto the mounting member 246 for aligning the optical axis of the nightvision goggle with the user's eye. The mounting member 246 mayadditionally house a battery for providing power to operate the nightvision goggle. Although the depicted embodiment is shown with amonocular night vision scope, the mounting member 246 may optionallyaccept a pair of night vision tubes to provide a binocular night visiongoggle, which advantageously gives the viewer a perception of depth. Themounting member 246 may be of a type generally known in the art, see,e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,354. The mounting member 246 includes amounting foot 248 for receiving a complementary mating and generallytrapezoidal mounting shoe 252 located on the sliding carriage 236. Alocking member 256 is resiliently biased to engage complementary recess260 located on the mounting foot 248. An unlocking lever 264 is providedwhich can be used to manually disengage locking member 256 against thebiasing of an internal spring (not shown) to release the optical devicefrom the mounting unit.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 10-12, the selectable breakawayconnector 172 includes a housing member 268 housing a cam 272, which ismanually rotatable via a lever 180. Balls 276 partially protrude fromthe housing and are captured within retaining rings 280. Coil springs284 are housed within channels 288 formed in the housing 268 and urgethe balls outwardly. The balls are prevented from escaping via inwardlyextending lips 292 on the retaining rings 280.

When the cam 272 is rotated such that the long axis of the cam isaligned with the axes of the aligned bores 288, as shown in FIG. 11, thecoils of the springs 284 are compressed to their maximum extent,whereby, the balls are not inwardly depressible. In this manner, theballs are rigidly maintained in the outward, protruding position,thereby engaging complimentary openings 296 in non-breakaway fashion.

When the cam is rotated such that the long axis of the cam isperpendicular with the axes of the aligned bores 288, as shown in FIG.12, the coils of the springs 284 are separated, thereby rendering theballs 276 resiliently depressible in the inward direction. In thismanner, the balls may move inwardly against the urging of the springs,thereby allowing the breakaway unit to separate when a sufficient forceis applied. The breakaway setting as shown in FIG. 12 is advantageous inthat it may prevent injury to the wearer in the event of entanglement orimpact of the goggle 116. Likewise, the non-breakaway setting mayadvantageously be selected in instances where it is desired to preventinadvertent dislodging of the goggles from the helmet, e.g., where lossof the goggles is possible or where the operator may be subject to highaccelerational or G forces. Protrusions 300 engaging complimentaryaligned openings or cavities 304 may also be provided to further securethe pivot leg 176 to the breakaway assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a further embodiment helmetmount 100 a including a mounting plate 308 interfacing a helmet mount112, as detailed above, to a helmet 108. As seen in FIG. 14, themounting plate 308 includes guide rails 132 for receiving the helmetmount assembly as described above and is secured to the front of thehelmet 108 via a fastener 312, such as a threaded fastener or the like.Also, a pair of laterally spaced-apart hook members 316 engages the brimof the helmet, thereby providing three points of attachment of the platemember 308. Commonly, military helmets are provided with a single holepredrilled in the front thereof and the embodiment 100 a is advantageousin that it may readily be adapted to employ such predrilled hole forreceiving the fastener 312.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, there appears a strap mount system 100b according to another embodiment of the present invention. A mountingplate 320 includes guide rails 132 for securing the pivoting mountingassembly 112 to the front of the helmet 108 (shown in fragmentary view)as described above. A strap 324 passes along the centerline of thehelmet and attaches to a rear ratchet assembly 328 as will be describedin greater detail below. The ratchet assembly 328 attaches to the rearof helmet 108 via a wrap-around bracket 332 including laterallyspaced-apart hook members 336 engaging the rear brim portion of thehelmet 108. The front and rear hook members 316 and 336, respectively,may include noise and/or vibration dampening members 340 formed of aflexible elastic or resilient material. In the depicted embodiment, thedampening members 340 may be pads, grommets engaging holes formed in thehook members, or the like. Other flexible or resilient dampening memberssuch as resilient member 344 may be provided at other points of contactas well.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, there appears a strap mount system 100c according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Amounting plate 348 includes a plurality of fasteners 352, such asthreaded fasteners, for securing the pivoting mounting assembly 112 a tothe front of the helmet 108 (shown in fragmentary view and in phantomlines). The mounting assembly 112 a is substantially as described abovewith respect to mounting assembly 112, except that the sliding plateassembly 152 is permanently attached to the plate 348, i.e., such thatthe guide rails 132 and the release buttons 124 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and4) have been omitted. A strap 324 passes along the centerline of thehelmet and attaches to a rear ratchet assembly 328, which in turnattaches to the rear of helmet 108 via a wrap-around bracket 332including laterally spaced-apart hook members 336 engaging the rear brimportion of the helmet 108. Dampening members 340 may also be provided asdescribed above.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-26, the helmet strap ratchet system 328according to the present invention attaches to the rear of the helmetvia rear bracket 332 having wrap-around hooks 336 as described above. Inthe depicted embodiment, the bracket 332 is integrally formed with thegear rack 356. However, the bracket 332 and the gear rack 356 could beseparately formed and secured via a strap member or other mechanicallinkage.

The gear rack 356 is received within a housing comprising a cover plate360 fastened to base plate 364. A ratchet lock 368 pivots about pin 372and is biased via spring 376 in the locked position. Ratchet lock 368further includes a locking member or tooth 380 engaging spur gear 384 toprevent rotation in the loosening direction (counterclockwise in thedepicted embodiment), while providing a ratcheting mechanism whichallows rotation of spur gear 384 in the tightening direction. Manuallydepressing the ratchet lock 368 disengages the tooth 380 from the spurgear 384 allowing it to rotate in the loosening direction. The spur gear384 engages a row of teeth 388 of the gear rack 356 whereby rotating thespur gear 384 advances or retracts the gear rack 356 and, thus,loosening or tightening the strap 84. The ratchet assembly 328 furtherincludes a slotted member 392 for receiving the strap 84 and wherein theloose end thereof may be retained, e.g., via a buckle 396. The spur gear384 is attached to a tensioning knob 400 via a screw 404, dowel pins408, and retaining ring 412. Spur gear 384 is rotated using thetensioning knob 400. In this manner, the mounting system may be readilyadapted for a variety of helmet sizes. Also, the wearer can attach andremove the helmet mount system as needed without the need for removingthe helmet. Fasteners 416, 420, and 424, such as threaded fasteners,pins, and the like, may be provided to secure the housing shell members360 and 364 together. A plurality of spaced apart pins 428 may beprovided adjacent the non-toothed edge 432 of the gear rack 356 toprovide bearing points along which the surface 432 slides as the gearrack 356 is advanced and retracted.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-32, a track mounting system 102 is providedfor mounting an optical device 116 as described above to the front ofhelmet 108. A ratcheting assembly 436 incorporating electricalconnectors 440 for removably attaching a power supply 444, such as anoptionally rechargeable battery or battery pack, is provided. Theratcheting assembly 436 includes a wrap-around bracket 332 forattachment to the rear brim portion of the helmet 108, which is attachedto a gear rack 356.

The mounting system 102 includes a bracket 448 which is slidable intrack 452 as shown in FIG. 31. In addition to allowing the opticaldevice 116 to be flipped up from the operational position (FIG. 30) to astowed position (FIG. 31), the stowed optical device can then be furtherretracted by moving the entire assembly along the track 452, therebyreducing front helmet weight and providing better center of gravity soas to improve helmet balance and reduce neck fatigue in the wearer.

The sliding mount 448 includes pins, rails, or the like received withinchannels 456 of the track assembly 452, thereby slidably retaining themount 448 within the track channels 456. The track assembly portion 452may have a predetermined curvature which is adapted to fit a certainhelmet type and/or size, or may be adapted to fit a variety of helmettypes and sizes. The sliding mount 448 also includes quick releasebuttons 460 to allow the mount 448 to freely slide along the track 452.For example, the buttons 460 may operate against the urging of biasingsprings to disengage the retaining members from complementary recessesformed within the track, the retaining pins being received within therecesses to provide secure retention at each end of travel along thetrack.

The track assembly 452 is secured to the front brim portion of thehelmet 108 via a front wrap-around attachment member 468, which may becushioned via resilient grommets 472.

Track member 452 includes and electrical connector 464, which iselectrically coupled with the electrical connector 440. The electricalconnector 464 may be used, for example, for attaching an identificationfriend-or-foe (IFF) transponder 476. Other electrically operateddevices, such as communication systems, are also contemplated. Theelectrical connectors 464 and 440 shown are bayonet-style connectorshaving a resilient or retractable protrusion 480 for locking an attacheddevice or power supply in place, e.g., by engaging a complimentarycavity or depression in an attached device. A release lever 484 is alsoprovided to disengage the protrusion 480 to allow removal of an attacheddevice.

A strap 488 couples the track assembly 452 and the ratchet assembly 436.The strap and ratchet assembly allow the mounting system to be sized tofit multiple helmet sizes. The strap 488 houses electrical conductors,such as wiring or conductive traces on a flexible circuit board, whichelectrically couple the electrical connector 440 to the connector 464,e.g., for providing power from an attached power supply 444 and anattached device such as the friend/for system 476. For example, theconductors may pass within an axial opening or channel formed in thestrap. In an alternative embodiment, the strap 488 may be omitted thetrack assembly may be sized to span the entire helmet.

The ratchet assembly 436 attaches to the rear brim portion of the helmetvia rear bracket 332 having hooks 336, preferably with resilient grommetinserts 340. The ratchet assembly 436 includes a gear rack 356 receivedwithin a housing, for example a shell type housing comprising a coverplate 360 a fastened to a base plate 364 a. The ratchet assembly 436includes a ratcheting thumb wheel 400 which is normally rotatable in thetightening direction only. A ratchet lock 368 is manually depressible todisengage the ratchet mechanism from the gear rack 356, allowing thegear rack to move freely in either direction. The ratchet mechanism maybe substantially as shown and described above by way of reference to theratchet mechanism 328 shown in FIGS. 19-26.

The ratchet assembly 436 additionally includes electrical connector 440for attaching power supply 444 and is electrically coupled to theconnector 464 on the track assembly 352 via conductors passing withinthe strap 488. In the depicted embodiment, the electrical connector 440is a male bayonet style connector which engages a complementary femalebayonet connector on the battery or battery pack 444.

The depicted battery pack 444 may house one or more batteries andpreferably contains a female bayonet connector on a first side forconnecting to the connector 440 and a male connector 492 on the oppositeside of the unit to allow multiple battery packs 444 to be connected inparallel, e.g., to provide longer battery life. A removable cover 496allows batteries contained within the battery pack 444 to be replaced.

In a preferred embodiment, where a night vision scope or otherelectronically operated optical device is employed, such optics willtypically employ a self-contained power supply and, therefore, do notneed to receive power from the helmet mounted power supply 444. However,in certain embodiments, it is contemplated that an electrical connectionbetween the battery connector 440 and the bracket 448 be provided topower an attached electronically operated optical device.

Referring now to FIGS. 33-35, a weapon mount 500 for attaching anoptical device to a weapon system is shown. This device allows anoperator to quickly transfer an optical device, such as a helmet mountedoptical device 116, for shared use between a helmet mounting system,e.g., as described herein, and a weapon system. Although the illustratedweapon mount 500 is shown in connection with a Picatinny rail system(e.g., MIL-STD-1913) 504, it will be recognized that the weapon mount500 may be adapted for use with all manner firearms, including withoutlimitation rifles, handguns, machine guns, mortars, etc., and all mannerof weapon accessory mount rail interfaces or other mounting systemtypes.

The weapon mount 500 includes an optic mount 508 having a trapezoidalmounting shoe 252 for receiving a complimentary mounting foot 248 (seeFIG. 9) of an optical device 116. A locking member 256 is resilientlybiased to engage a complementary recess 260 located on the mounting foot248 (see FIG. 9). The trapezoidal shoe opens away from the operator,thus preventing slippage in the event of weapon recoil. An unlockinglever 264 is provided which can be used to manually disengage lockingmember 256 against the biasing of an internal spring (not shown) torelease the optics from the mounting unit. A lock release button 512 mayadditionally be provided to maintain the locking member 256 in thelocked position, for use in conjunction with lever 264 to release theoptical device from the shoe portion 508, e.g., to prevent disengagementof the optics due to recoil of the weapon. A rail clamp portion 516 ofthe weapon mount 500 attaches to a weapon rail 504 and includes afloating rail grabber 520 which is secured to the rail system via thumbscrew 524. A locator pin 528 engages a selected one of the recoilgrooves 532 in the rail 504.

FIG. 35 depicts a preferred embodiment wherein the weapon 536 includes areflex sight 540 of a type employing a light source for projecting a dotor other target designator, used in conjunction with a night vision tube116 to provide night-time or low-light targeting capability. The reflexsight 540 is secured to the rail system 504 via a rail mount 544. Inoperation, mount 500 may be preattached to the rail 504, whereby thenight vision tube may readily be transferred between a helmet mountsystem and the rail mount 500, wherein it is in optical alignment withthe reflex sight 540. In this manner, the reflex sight target designatoris projected and superimposed by the eye of the viewer on the imagegenerated by the night vision scope 116.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon areading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It isintended that the invention be construed as including these and othermodifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope ofthe appended claims or the equivalents thereof. All references citedherein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A mounting bracket for mounting a night visiondevice to a weapon, comprising: a first attachment member including afirst fastener configured to removably attach to a rail interface of theweapon; and a second attachment member attached to the first attachmentmember, the second attachment member including a second fastenerconfigured to removably attach to a coupling member of the night visiondevice and support the night vision device in alignment with a barrel ofthe weapon.
 22. The mounting bracket of claim 21, wherein the firstfastener is an accessory rail clamp.
 23. The mounting bracket of claim22, wherein the rail clamp includes a floating rail grabber and athreaded fastener rotatably attached to the floating rail grabber, thethreaded fastener configured to selectively move the floating railgrabber toward and away from the rail interface responsive to rotationof the threaded fastener in a first direction and a second directionopposite the first direction, respectively.
 24. The mounting bracket ofclaim 23, further comprising a locator pin attached to the firstattachment member for selectively engaging a recoil groove in the railinterface.
 25. The mounting bracket of claim 22, wherein the accessoryrail claim is configured to removably attach to a Picatinny accessoryrail.
 26. The mounting bracket of claim 21, wherein the second fastenerincludes a generally trapezoidal receptacle removably and slidablyreceiving a complimentary mounting foot on the night vision device. 27.The mounting bracket of claim 26, wherein the trapezoidal receptacleincludes a resilient locking member configured to removably engage acomplementary recess of the mounting foot.
 28. The mounting bracket ofclaim 27, further comprising a spring resiliently biasing the lockingmember towards the complementary recess.
 29. The mounting bracket ofclaim 28, further comprising an unlocking lever attached to the lockingmember, said unlocking lever manually actuatable to move the lockingmember from the complementary recess.
 30. The mounting bracket of claim26, wherein the trapezoidal receptacle has a first end and a second endopposite the first end, the second and wider than the first and, whereinthe second and is disposed away from the operator of the weapon when themounting bracket is attached to the rail interface of the weapon.
 31. Asighting system, comprising: a mounting bracket comprising a firstattachment member including a first fastener configured to removablyattach to a rail interface of a weapon, and a second attachment memberattached to the first attachment member, the second attachment memberincluding a second fastener configured to removably attach to a couplingmember of a night vision device and support the night vision device inalignment with a barrel of the weapon; and a reflex sight removablymountable to the weapon for projecting a target designator for use inaiming the weapon, the target designator viewable along a sighting axis;and a night vision device removably mountable to the weapon in opticalalignment with said reflex sight for generating a human-viewable imagein low light conditions of a target scene taken along the sighting axis,wherein said target designator is superimposed on said human-viewableimage.
 32. The sighting system of claim 31, wherein the first fasteneris an accessory rail clamp.
 33. The sighting system of claim 32, whereinthe rail clamp includes a floating rail grabber and a threaded fastenerrotatably attached to the floating rail grabber, the threaded fastenerconfigured to selectively move the floating rail grabber toward and awayfrom the rail interface responsive to rotation of the threaded fastenerin a first direction and a second direction opposite the firstdirection, respectively.
 34. The sighting system of claim 33, furthercomprising a locator pin attached to the first attachment member forselectively engaging a recoil groove in the rail interface.
 35. Thesighting system of claim 32, wherein the accessory rail claim isconfigured to removably attach to a Picatinny accessory rail.
 36. Thesighting system of claim 31, wherein the second fastener includes agenerally trapezoidal receptacle removably and slidably receiving acomplimentary mounting foot on the night vision device.
 37. The sightingsystem of claim 36, wherein the trapezoidal receptacle includes aresilient locking member configured to removably engage a complementaryrecess of the mounting foot.
 38. The sighting system of claim 37,further comprising a spring resiliently biasing the locking membertowards the complementary recess and an unlocking lever attached to thelocking member, said unlocking lever manually actuatable to move thelocking member from the complementary recess.
 39. The sighting system ofclaim 36, wherein the trapezoidal receptacle has a first end and asecond end opposite the first end, the second and wider than the firstand, wherein the second and is disposed away from the operator of theweapon when the mounting bracket is attached to the rail interface ofthe weapon.
 40. The sighting system of claim 31, further comprising apivoting helmet mount configured to removably attach the night visiondevice to a helmet, wherein said mounting bracket is configured to beinterchangeably and alternatively mounted to said pivoting helmet mountand said mounting bracket.